Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Ikebukuro branch
A long-established restaurant specializing in tempura, with a menu centered on traditional Edomae tempura and providing outstanding hospitality. Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi serves the finest tempura made from seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood using traditional techniques such as using different frying methods to suit the ingredients.
The food tastes great, but honestly, the prices are pretty high!
Daikanyama Cha Cha Maru
The head chef of this creative Kaiseki restaurant developed his skills training at “Hikage Chaya,” a famous Kaiseki restaurant boasting 200 years of history in Hayama.
The fugu sashimi was super springy and had a fantastic texture. The flavor was absolutely amazing!
Mt. Maya (Mayasan)
The 702-meter-high Mt. Maya is one of the major peaks of the Rokko Mountains, a chain of mountains of various sizes. The mountain can be easily accessed via the Maya Cable Car and Maya Ropeway, commonly known as the Maya View Line, from the foot of the mountain.
One of Japan's top three night views. The elevation isn't that high, but it gets pretty windy and chilly at night.
Awaji Yumebutai
Awaji Yumebutai is a facility complex designed by the world-famous architect Tadao Ando, located in the northern part of Awaji Island.
The architecture here is really unique—definitely worthy of being called a masterpiece by a world-class architect.
Tower of Osaka Castle
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens.
This isn't the original Osaka Castle keep—it was rebuilt later and is much smaller in scale. The elevator inside feels out of place and takes away from the authentic atmosphere.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
The Ameyoko Shopping Street, affectionately known as "Ameyoko," stretches approximately 500m between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station, with around 400 shops lining the street. It features a variety of businesses, including food and confectionery, clothing, general goods, and jewelry stores.
This shopping street connects JR Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station. There are tons of things for sale—snacks, cosmetics, food, and more. You could easily spend the whole day here!